Beginner’s Guide to Tooth Removal

Many of us have to get at least one tooth removed at some point. Some patients find that they develop anxiety regarding the procedure, and justifiably so. Fortunately, getting a tooth removed does not have to be scary. In this article, we will provide you with a short guide on preparing for and managing your tooth removal.

Why get a tooth pulled?

There are several reasons that you might want to consider getting a tooth pulled. Here are two of the most common.

Big teeth or a crowded mouth

If your teeth are too crowded or too large, your dentist may recommend removing some so that they can grow in healthily.

Infection or risk of infection

If your teeth become infected or if they are at risk of becoming infected, then your dentist will likely recommend that you get the affected tooth removed.   

If you are experiencing any of the above, then it is in your best interest to make an appointment with your dentist.

The procedure

Most patients worry about the procedure. Here, we will outline the steps involved so you can prepare yourself for it.

Numbing

After getting comfortable in the dentist’s chair, you will first receive a local anesthetic. In some cases, dentists may fully anesthetize you, but in most cases, you will receive a local anesthetic via injection. The dentist usually applies pressure to the gum area with a sharp tool following the numbing. This is to ensure that you can feel pressure but not pain, which indicates that the anesthetic is working.

Extraction

A tooth removal generally happens quite quickly. The procedure rarely lasts more than a couple of minutes. These are the basic steps involved:

First, the dentist must enlarge the tooth’s socket. The socket is the area at the root of the tooth where it attaches to the bone.  The bone encasing the tooth is generally quite spongy, and the dentist can enlarge the socket by rocking the tooth back and forth, thus compressing the bone

Once the tooth has loosened, your dentist will use forceps to grip the tooth and pull it out

The dentist will then gently scrape the walls of the tooth socket to get rid of any damaged or infected tissue. They will file down any sharp bits of bone, clean the area and then tighten the open socket with their fingers to help minimize bleeding

The dentist will clean the area again, and you will receive instructions on how to take care of your mouth until the gum has healed over

What Will the Experience Be Like?

Tooth extractions are generally painless. However, that does not mean that there are no sensations to be felt. You may feel some pressure. This often frightens people, as pressure often precedes pain. However, rest assured that the anesthetic will numb the nerve fibers in the area responsible for triggering a pain response. You should remember that it is not uncommon to hear grinding, crunching and snapping sounds as the dentist manipulates your teeth. They will pull them away from jawbone during the extraction.

Any other questions?

Tooth removal can be a frightening procedure, but it is safe and generally painless. Please contact us if you have any other questions. Our team is happy to explain the process in further detail.

Request an appointment here: http://lbfamilydental.com or call Leila Zamiri DDS at (562) 453-1214 for an appointment in our Long Beach office.

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